Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), thanked President Bola Tinubu, senior military officers, traditional rulers, diplomats, and other dignitaries who attended the launch of a book documenting his tenure as Army Chief.
The book, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, was presented on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin, said the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s military history and the importance of preserving institutional memory.
In a statement issued after the event, Buratai thanked Tinubu for serving as the Special Guest of Honour and acknowledged the President’s message, delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for facilitating the Federal Government’s participation in the event.
The former Army Chief thanked the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), who presented the book at the ceremony.
Musa, a former commander who served during Buratai’s tenure, was also acknowledged for his testimony on the leadership legacy examined in the publication.
Mangal gets special mention
Buratai also singled out the Chief Launcher of the book, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, who was represented at the event by Alhaji Inuwa Baba.
Mangal, the founder of Max Air, has business interests spanning aviation and oil and gas.
Buratai described his support for the book launch as significant, saying, ‘His CON honour and quiet philanthropy across Nigeria reveal the depth of his character.’
He added, ‘We are deeply grateful, Chief Launcher, for your presence and your support.’
The former Army Chief also thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Service Chiefs for sending representatives to the ceremony.
They included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
According to Buratai, the participation of the military leadership reinforced the relationship between the Armed Forces and efforts to preserve institutional history.
Sanusi, diplomats, and others attend.
Other personalities acknowledged by Buratai included the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, Lt. Gen. Domenico Giani (retd.); and Senator Ali Ndume.
He also thanked Professor Phillip Dahida, Amina Akano-Bello, Maj. Gen. Victor Ezugwu (retd.), Maj. Gen. JGK Myam (retd.), the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, and Rear Admiral Adamu Biu (retd.) for their contributions as panellists.
The former Army Chief also acknowledged the presence of the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Oyelude Makama, and other traditional rulers from Osun State.
Among the diplomats mentioned were the Italian Ambassador, Roberto Mengoni; the President of the African Peoples Movement, Sheikh Mustapha Kouyatè; the former ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Gen. Francis Behanzin; and the Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero.
Buratai also commended the author of the book, Dr M.S. He acknowledged the Institute of Security Nigeria for its endorsement and thanked academics and security researchers who contributed to a festschrift examining defence, intelligence, and statecraft.
Buratai credits the committee and publishers
Buratai credits the committee and publishers
‘The success of the event was not the achievement of any one individual or institution. It was the result of collective effort, shared purpose, and the generosity of all who believe in the importance of preserving Nigeria’s institutional memory and learning from its history,’ he said.
Buratai also praised the Buratai Legacy Presentation Committee for its work and thanked the promoters, organisers, and other contributors to the event.
He acknowledged Sprezzatura Publishing Limited and Clarivox Creative Limited for their roles in organising the presentation and producing the book.
The former Army Chief also thanked journalists, publishers, and editors who covered the event, saying their reports helped bring the discussions to a wider audience.
He concluded by thanking those who attended or supported the event, expressing the hope that the lessons contained in the book would contribute to discussions on Nigeria’s security and military leadership.